As a long-time resident of Robinson, I have become very interested in local issues, especially school board matters. With a contentious election coming up on April 2, I am curious why there has not been a formal debate or a public gathering of all the school-board candidates. In elections past, it was customary for the public to have an opportunity to meet candidates and ask questions in person. These meetings allow candidates to explain their views and goals in a clear and concise manner, highlights the temperament of the group, and allows the public to develop opinions on an otherwise dry department of local government.

I'm not privy as to how this event is arranged so this letter is not to speculate on the cause of this notable absence. I simply hope to highlight the issue to those who would have otherwise forgot. When you see the candidates around town, ask them why the traditional meet-and-greet has not occurred. Ask the current board members, ask the superintendent, ask the teachers, ask your friends and neighbors. These meetings and the information that they generate are the fundamental bedrock of our local elections. Asking us to vote without the chance to hear from every candidate on equal footing is asking us to judge them without being informed as to their motivations and goals. I hope everyone votes on April 2 with these facts in mind.

Dane Ecton

Robinson

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